A simple person, that could have been just any person next door, with very humble beginnings, embarked on an extraordinary journey pulling out dead bodies from the lake, and occasionally even managing to save those before they die from drowning. Dr Shiva Shiva is a hero of humanity and a lifesaver who has dedicated over 25 years to serving his community. Living by the Hussain Sagar lake, Shiva has rescued 129 lives and recovered over ten thousand bodies, offering closure to grieving families and earning the moniker Tank Bund Shiva. His unwavering commitment to aiding the Police and selflessly responding to those in need—whether saving swimmers in distress or intervening in suicide attempts—has made him a symbol of courage and compassion. Honoured with a doctorate from Osmania University in 2020, Shiva’s story is a testament to the power of empathy and indefatigable service. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx